Before 2023 fades into a dim and distant memory, I thought I’d do a quick roll call and share a few of the things that kept me busy during the last year. Treat this as my belated Festive Greetings to everyone who has helped me through the year.
Yes, writing Return to The End Of The Line has been my primary focus, but there have been many people along the way whom I would like to publically thank.
First and foremost, my wonderful wife, who has supported me through my long days, weeks and months of writing. I love you.
I realised as I forged ahead with marketing my book that once my self-fundraising project closed through my Crodfunder site, fewer people would understand the book’s purpose. That got me thinking as the same applied to my first book, Memories from The End Of The Line, as well.
So, I’ve written a brief synopsis of both books, which you can find here. Of course, for those of you who have both books, you’ll be familiar with my ‘endoftheline’ story. But for those new, or even if you want to point friends and family to a simple description, I thought this might help. I’d love to know what you think.
Interviews
I’ve been interviewed twice during 2023 and featured once by a Times No.1 Best Selling Author for my second book. Other authors/friends have set up their own video podcasts to interview international authors about their writing journeys to help and inspire others to pick up the (virtual) pen. Yes, you read that right – international author, as both my books have been sold far and wide to Canada, USA, Germany, Thailand and Hong Kong.
So my thanks to:
- Beth Jordan – Based in Scotland, Beth is a Photographer and Author of Thank You For the Kiss – A part memoir and part fiction, based on Beth’s personal experience of her time in Cuba. View my interview here.
- Kellen Ann – Based in Georgia, USA. Kellen is the Owner / Designer / Creator at Cards That Wow and the successful Author of Wag More, a tongue-in-cheek life-lesson view based on the observations of her three Pugs. She hosts a weekly podcast with fellow author Brian Monahan. View my interview here.
- Michael Heppell – Sunday Times No.1 best-selling author, coach and friend. Michael coached, encouraged and inspired me to write through his ‘Write That Book Masterclass’; I’ve not looked back. A massive thank you, Michael. You can watch him unwrapping Return to The End Of The Line here and hear his first thoughts about my book.
- What’s more, you can watch his second thoughts here when he joined me at my launch event on the 21st of November, 2023.
Design by Jenn Garside
I am blessed to have had Jenn design both of my books. From the first moment we met on a Zoom call and I shared my vision, Jenn magicked her design skills to create two perfect books. If anyone reading this is looking for a designer, I highly recommend Jenn Garside Illustration & Graphic Design. Here are some of Jenn’s work from inside book two.
If you want to see more, look at my launch event. The full video is here. Scroll to around minute 11. You’ll also get to see Jenn as well.
Testimonials
Where would an author be without feedback? Good (or bad), how else do we improve? Feedback is essential, and sound/positive feedback is also always good for the ego. But joking aside, how often do you leave a review of the books you have read? Where do you go to find out if a book is worth reading – the reviews, I bet?
It can be on social media, where you have bought your book, or maybe a dedicated review site. So go on; write a review the next time you read a book. Be honest; be brief; it doesn’t have to be a monologue.
If you have bought Return to The End Of The Line, why not go to Goodreads and leave a review. Click the link to get there.
And whilst you do, why not watch and listen to what some have already said about my second book. I’ve used a simple software-as-a-service Voicemaker to convert text to speech and overlayed it onto the photos from my book to add some interest. Please contact me if you like this or want to know more about how I used Voicemaker.
Photos By RJT 